What are the Covid-19 Omicron travel restrictions in Asia?

Last updated: 6 December 2021

News of the latest Covid-19 “variant of concern” dubbed Omicron has everyone on the edge of their seats and keen on more information. In light of increased risk, the World Health Organisation has asked countries to enhance surveillance among other efforts to curb further spread of the Omicron variant. Here is the latest information on the Omicron variant by WHO.

First reported in South Africa on 24 November 2021, confirmed cases of the Omicron variant have since been detected in 38 countries around the world including Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Canada.

Read on for all the latest travel restrictions that the UK, Australia and some countries in Asia have imposed.

This article may be updated from time to time to reflect the latest information. But if you are planning international travel any time soon, check your travel route on Covid Entry Check to get all the latest information with a single click.

How has Omicron impacted travel?

Countries around the world have responded with prompt tightening of travel restrictions to and from South Africa and its neighbouring countries.

UK: Face coverings will be mandatory in United Kingdom shops and on public transportation, and all travellers returning to the UK will require PCR testing. South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe are among the countries added to the UK’s red list on 26 November 2021. Those that have been to these countries in the last 10 days will be allowed to enter if they are British/ Irish citizens or UK residents. Quarantine rules apply – find out more here.

Australia: All flights are suspended for two weeks from 9 Southern African countries – South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Seychelles, Malawi and Mozambique. Those that have arrived in Australia and have been in any of the countries in the past 14 days to immediate isolate and get tested.

Indonesia: Travel ban on arrivals from African countries and Hong Kong due to Omicron variant. Delegates attending G20 summit will not be affected. The restriction will be reviewed every 2 weeks. Indonesia has also extended the quarantine period for international travellers from 3 days to one week. Returning Indonesians that have travelled to the South African countries listed will need to quarantine for 14 days.

Singapore: Travel ban on visitors and those transiting in Singapore that has a recent travel history to South Africa. Returning citizens and residents to serve a 10-day stay-home notice at dedicated facilities. The vaccinated travel lanes (VTL) to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE deferred until further notice.

Malaysia: Travel ban to 7 countries, namely South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe following the emergence of the Omicron Covid-19 strain. The Langkawi travel bubble faces disruption with the government barring travellers from 24 countries.

Hong Kong: Total entry ban on non-Hong Kong residents from eight African countries. On top of that, visitors from or with travel history from these countries will be denied entry starting December 2. Hong Kong residents returning from those countries must serve first 7 days of quarantine at government-run facility with daily testing and remainder 14 days at a hotel.

Japan: All new entries of foreign nationals to be suspended for one month including foreign business travellers and students. Returning Japanese nationals from South Africa and other countries where the infection has been detected to be placed in strict quarantine.

Philippines: Reopening of inbound tourism postponed until further notice.

Brunei: Travel ban from 8 African countries.

India: Revised guidelines for international arrivals including self-declaration on Air Suvidha portal and travel history for past two weeks.

South Korea: Tightens border restrictions after cases are detected. No quarantine is needed for VTL travellers between South Korea and Singapore. For other travellers, mandatory 10-day quarantine applies.

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